Dozens of tiny Pot-bellied Sea Horses cling to underwater plants at Switzerland's Zoo Basel. These itty-bitty babies, native to the coastal waters of Australia, will grow to about 13 inches long as adults.
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Photo Credit: Zoo Basel
Like all Sea Horses, females of this species lay their eggs into a brood patch on the males. The males then carry the eggs for about a month, and the babies hatch and swim off on thier own. Hundreds of baby Pot-Bellied Sea Horses may hatch at one time, a strategy that ensures that at least a few of these vulnerable babies will grow into adulthood